GST to benefit common man, trade and industry: Naveen Patnaik

Naveen Patnaik had earlier said the GST would bring about major financial reform to make India a single market. Photo: HT

Bhubaneswar: Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik on Saturday hailed the launch of the goods and services tax (GST), saying its implementation should be smooth and benefit the common man, trade and industry.

“With GST roll-out, India transforms into One Nation One Tax One Market. Congratulations to all. Glad that Odisha played an important role in it,” Patnaik tweeted. “The implementation should be smooth and take care of all doubts and concerns to benefit the common man, trade, commerce and industry,” the chief minister said in the post.

The Odisha government had earlier supported the new tax regime. Addressing a workshop of MLAs held before the state assembly’s special session in May, Patnaik had said the GST would bring comprehensive reform of the indirect tax regime and a major financial reform to make India a single market. The state government has maintained that all sections of the population will benefit from the GST.

The rules have also been notified in the state. State finance minister Sashi Bhushan Behera had attended the midnight launch event of the GST roll-out ceremony in Parliament.